Forbidden Love (2008)
A sweeping Turkish drama of desire and betrayal set among Istanbul's elite, adapted from a landmark Ottoman novel.
Forbidden Love - Series Information
- Original Title: Aşk-ı Memnu
- First Air Year: 2008
- Last Air Year: 2010
- Created by: Halid Ziya Uşaklıgil
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Family, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (87 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 79
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Turkish
- Spoken Languages: Turkish
- First Air Date: September 4, 2008 (United States - TV-PG), September 4, 2008 (Brazil - 12), September 4, 2008 (Mexico - A), September 4, 2008 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: Kanal D
- Alternative Titles: العشق الممنوع (EG), Πειρασμός (GR)
- Production Companies: Ay Yapım
- Production Countries: Turkey
Forbidden Love - Plot
Having lost his wife eleven years ago, Adnan devoted all his attention to his daughter Nihal and his son Bülent. Adnan, who lives in one of the most prominent mansions along the Bosporus in Istanbul with a relative's son Behlül, and his children's nanny, meets Bihter who is also a socialite couple's daughter she is very elegant and beautiful, everyone who meets her get stunned and jealous of her, and he falls in love with her. While searching for peace, safety and happiness in Adnan's mansion, Bihter meets passion. Behlül and Bihter fall completely into each other and become drowned by their infatuation with each other. Their secret love affair will soon affect every member of the family.
Forbidden Love - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of the passion and intrigue at the heart of the series.
Where to Watch Forbidden Love
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Forbidden Love - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Halid Ziya Uşaklıgil
Main Cast
- Beren Saat
- Selçuk Yöntem
- Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ
- Nebahat Çehre
- Zerrin Tekindor
- Hazal Kaya
- Batuhan Karacakaya
- Rana Cabbar
- Gülsen Tuncer
- Fatma Karanfil
Writers
- Ece Yörenç
- Melek Gençoğlu
Forbidden Love - FAQs
Is Forbidden Love based on a true story?
Forbidden Love is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Aşk-ı Memnu, a celebrated 1900 Ottoman novel by Halid Ziya Uşaklıgil. The novel is widely regarded as a landmark of Turkish literature, drawing thematic inspiration from European realist fiction rather than real-life events.
What happened to Bihter at the end of Forbidden Love?
In the series finale, Bihter's secret affair with Behlül is ultimately exposed, leading to devastating consequences. Consumed by guilt, shame, and the collapse of everything she had sought — security, love, and belonging — Bihter takes her own life, mirroring the tragic conclusion of the original Uşaklıgil novel.
Where can you stream Forbidden Love online?
Forbidden Love is available to stream online. You can check current platform availability in your region — including options such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other services — by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming and rental information for the series.
Who are the main actors in Forbidden Love?
The principal cast of Forbidden Love includes Beren Saat as Bihter, Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ as Behlül, Selçuk Yöntem as Adnan, Nebahat Çehre as Firdevs, Hazal Kaya as Nihal, and Zerrin Tekindor as Matmazel Deniz. The performances of Beren Saat and Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ in particular earned widespread acclaim.
How many seasons and episodes does Forbidden Love have?
Forbidden Love ran for two seasons and a total of 79 episodes. Season 1 comprised 38 episodes, while Season 2 contained 41 episodes. Each episode has an average runtime of approximately 87 minutes, making the series a substantial and immersive viewing experience.
When did Forbidden Love first air?
Forbidden Love first aired on September 4, 2008, on the Turkish television network Kanal D. The series concluded in 2010 after two successful seasons. It was broadcast simultaneously across several international markets, including the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and Spain.
How was Forbidden Love received by critics and audiences?
Forbidden Love was met with exceptional enthusiasm both in Turkey and internationally. It became one of the most-watched Turkish dramas ever exported abroad, particularly across the Middle East and Latin America. Critics praised its lush production design, emotionally charged performances, and faithful adaptation of the classic source novel.
What is the content rating for Forbidden Love?
Forbidden Love carries a TV-PG content rating in the United States, indicating that some material may not be suitable for younger children and parental guidance is suggested. The series deals with themes of infidelity, desire, and emotional manipulation within an affluent family setting.
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